Museum of Fine Arts
Museum of Fine Arts
5
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Boston's oldest, largest and best-known art institution, the MFA houses one of the world's most comprehensive art collections and is renowned for its Impressionist paintings, Asian and Egyptian collections and early American art.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Museum of Fine Arts and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Fenway / Kenmore
The Curse of the Bambino may have ended years ago, but loyal Red Sox fans will continue to infiltrate this home to historic Fenway Park, where you can find victory banners, people yelling in stereotypical Boston accents, and lots of sports bars. Located within Kenmore Square, the old gas station Citgo sign is another Boston skyline classic seen throughout the city. In addition to a hectic and diehard sports mentality, this neighborhood is also home to some of Boston’s many universities. Move from Boston University territory to that of Northeastern, and spend time at the famous Museum of Fine Arts. For more culture, check out the smaller but equally beautiful Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Continue off the beaten path and check out the green space in the Back Bay Fens, a pretty community garden. This diverse neighborhood has a mix of universities, sports, culture, and more residential green space.
How to get there
- Museum of Fine Arts • 3 min walk
- Northeastern University • 5 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,461 within 3 miles
Attractions
592 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
8,257 reviews
Excellent
6,565
Very good
1,434
Average
203
Poor
36
Terrible
22
N0rmalee
Bossier City, LA618 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
As we find with many attractions, the signage could be better but the museum is fabulous. Free admission for us as hubby is a veteran and they can also bring in 4 or 5 guests each! The coat check was convenient since many people had jackets not needed indoors. Work by Tenoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Munsch and I believe Gainsborough. Large gift shop. Loved Claudette Colbert’s starfish brooch!
Written September 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David C
Wadsworth, OH3,140 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
Brought my family, 2 kids included, for a day of culture. Military gets in free for the service member and up to 5 dependents. The parking garage will cost about 26.00 to park for 3-4 hours. Take the ruggles stop if using the purple line (also free for military). We spent most of our time in the American and European art to see the likes of Stuart, Copley, Sergeant, Degas, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Monet. The Monet collection is excellent. The Egyptian collection is also excellent and they currently hold the world famous Egyptian sculpture of the king and his wife. You need all day to see everything. Bring your water bottle and some snacks. There is a place you can consume it. We loved our day here and we are thankful it’s a blue star museum.
Written November 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TaurusRising
Lexington, KY212 contributions
Jun 2022
Every time we visit Massachusetts to see our relatives, we take the commuter train from Franklin to Ruggles Station to do a day trip to the Museum of Fine Arts. It gives us so much pleasure! We have backgrounds in art and art history, so of course, this is a wonderful trip for us. But I believe ANYONE can benefit from the tons of displays that this facility offers to the public. We also had lunch at the museum, which although somewhat pricey, was very good. There is always something new at the museum and this is certainly worth 3 to 4 hours of your time.
Written June 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LEah Z
2 contributions
Oct 2022
Exhibits are thoughtful. Many thought-provoking pieces can be found in every nook and cranny of the museum. However, as a traditional museum, almost no interactive exhibits in the museum. It would be better if the curator could promote visitor engagement and learn with the aid of new and dynamic technology. Also, the collections are not grouped in logical ways. The high object density and lots of distractions easily result in fatigue. It’s hard to cover every section of the museum, and the $27 fee is also eye-popping.
The collections are incredible. I was overwhelmed by the massive collections in the museum. Some artworks are arranged in categories based on their medium, time of creation, and themes. Drawing from artists around the world, people can easily find artworks that appeal to them. Art of Ancient Egypt is my personal favorite section. There are numerous fascinating mummies and sarcophaguses, including the coffin of Princess Henuttawy, the cartonnage of Hapi-men, the outer coffin of Governor Dijehutynakht, etc. The museum also has some false doors collections, which is a carved representations of a doorway that were believed to allow a person’s spirits to cross from the tomb to the afterlife. The reconstructed Egyptian beadnet dresses are one of the most impressive collections in the museum for me. All 7000+ beads were painstakingly put back together by the curators. I was surprised to see the pioneer of high fashion in this rich civilization.
The collections are incredible. I was overwhelmed by the massive collections in the museum. Some artworks are arranged in categories based on their medium, time of creation, and themes. Drawing from artists around the world, people can easily find artworks that appeal to them. Art of Ancient Egypt is my personal favorite section. There are numerous fascinating mummies and sarcophaguses, including the coffin of Princess Henuttawy, the cartonnage of Hapi-men, the outer coffin of Governor Dijehutynakht, etc. The museum also has some false doors collections, which is a carved representations of a doorway that were believed to allow a person’s spirits to cross from the tomb to the afterlife. The reconstructed Egyptian beadnet dresses are one of the most impressive collections in the museum for me. All 7000+ beads were painstakingly put back together by the curators. I was surprised to see the pioneer of high fashion in this rich civilization.
Written October 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shanelle
Santa Monica, CA2,578 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Huge art museum with an array of styles. Came here during the first weekend of the month, as they participate in Bank of America’s Museums on Us, so we got free entry as a result of being cardholders. There is public transportation line with the museum as a stop, but it also was a nice walk to get here from our hotel. Masks were recommended but not required. There is a cafe inside if you need food.
You can easily spend an entire day here looking through all the exhibits. We spent an afternoon until the museum closed at 5, and I wish we were able to spend more time. No flash photography. There were water bottle refilling stations by restrooms. Coat check is available. You’re in for a good time here.
You can easily spend an entire day here looking through all the exhibits. We spent an afternoon until the museum closed at 5, and I wish we were able to spend more time. No flash photography. There were water bottle refilling stations by restrooms. Coat check is available. You’re in for a good time here.
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hrobinson1114
Nashville, TN2,690 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
This is a worthwhile museum. A huge, wonderful museum. But there are some things you need to know about me. First of all, I’ve lived in NYC the last few years, and honestly, I’m biased because there is no place better (in my opinion) for museums. Secondly, I’m really tired of European art.
It is expansive, covering many subject areas, but not quite as expansive as the MET. Another thing about this: first, initial time in New York is shaded by the fact the tourists are mostly still gone. So when people start showing up in droves, I feel weird. Second, the MET is a much larger space, with more varied architecture, while MFA is more closed in, so it seems even more crowded. MFA was so crowded on the Saturday I went that I put my airpods in and played jazz in order to tune out the cacophony.
One thing this museum is definitely good for is seeing/learning about art featuring colonial times/founding fathers. So while it’s not my style, it’s a great spot to explore prior to a colonial tour or walking the Freedom Trail. There are not only paintings, but artifacts and colonial furnishings.
There is a very broad Egyptian section that rivals the MET.
There is also a very cool modern art section. A lot of black, indigenous, and brown creators. Also some pieces on environmentalism, LGBTQ. I enjoyed all of these and like how they weren’t presented as an afterthought.
A lot of Dutch and early American art. A lot of early Christian art, reminiscent of the MET cloisters. Not my style, but if you like these things, there is a ton of it, and you could spend all day here.
A few period rooms, but Philadelphia does it better.
Tickets are 25 dollars for non-members. When I went, a ton of people were waiting in a long line around the block, to buy tickets on site. I don’t get this, as there was NO line for people who had bought tickets online. I walked straight in with no wait and had bought mine less than a week ahead of time, with no restrictions. Why were people not doing this to avoid the line?
TLDR: big, expansive, can spend all day. Some BIPOC and modern art, but mostly early American/European art. Good for learning about colonial New England. Worth the price, but crowded on the weekends. Buy tickets online to avoid the line onsite.
It is expansive, covering many subject areas, but not quite as expansive as the MET. Another thing about this: first, initial time in New York is shaded by the fact the tourists are mostly still gone. So when people start showing up in droves, I feel weird. Second, the MET is a much larger space, with more varied architecture, while MFA is more closed in, so it seems even more crowded. MFA was so crowded on the Saturday I went that I put my airpods in and played jazz in order to tune out the cacophony.
One thing this museum is definitely good for is seeing/learning about art featuring colonial times/founding fathers. So while it’s not my style, it’s a great spot to explore prior to a colonial tour or walking the Freedom Trail. There are not only paintings, but artifacts and colonial furnishings.
There is a very broad Egyptian section that rivals the MET.
There is also a very cool modern art section. A lot of black, indigenous, and brown creators. Also some pieces on environmentalism, LGBTQ. I enjoyed all of these and like how they weren’t presented as an afterthought.
A lot of Dutch and early American art. A lot of early Christian art, reminiscent of the MET cloisters. Not my style, but if you like these things, there is a ton of it, and you could spend all day here.
A few period rooms, but Philadelphia does it better.
Tickets are 25 dollars for non-members. When I went, a ton of people were waiting in a long line around the block, to buy tickets on site. I don’t get this, as there was NO line for people who had bought tickets online. I walked straight in with no wait and had bought mine less than a week ahead of time, with no restrictions. Why were people not doing this to avoid the line?
TLDR: big, expansive, can spend all day. Some BIPOC and modern art, but mostly early American/European art. Good for learning about colonial New England. Worth the price, but crowded on the weekends. Buy tickets online to avoid the line onsite.
Written March 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christina04
Pleasanton, CA117 contributions
Jun 2022
I don't quite understand all of the good reviews. I was there with my 13 and 15 year olds. They don't usually love museums - but all 3 of us agreed that we paid way too much money to have so little to enjoy. They have a lot of historical artifacts and dark paintings - we like the impressionist style that is more bright and fun. This place was a downer. And it's expensive.
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David-Kevin B
Washington DC, DC387 contributions
Oct 2021
One would expect a world-class city to have a world-class cultural arts scene and the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) does not disappoint. It is also easily reached via the T's Green Line.
One of the greatest museums in the world, the MFA underwent a massive if not transformative renovation in the aughts. A new wing dedicated to arts from the Americas; expanded gallery spaces; an enclosed courtyard featuring a soaring glass creation from artist Dale Chihuly; and Japanese garden are just some of the additions.
Like other museums of similar scale and size, the Museum of Fine Arts' extensive collections make a trip there in a single day exhausting. We recommend visiting over a couple―or even a few―days, selecting a manageable number of exhibitions and galleries to see :
― Art of Africa and Oceania
― Art of the Americas
― Art of Ancient Egypt
― Art of Ancient Greece and Rome
― Art of Asia
― Art of Europe
― Arts of Islamic Cultures
― Benin Kingdom Gallery
― Chinese Song Dynasty
― Contemporary Art
― Hamilton Palace Dining Room
― Jewelry
― Masterpieces of Egyptian Sculpture from the Pyramid Age
― Mummies
― Musical Instruments
― New Galleries of Dutch and Flemish Art
― Photography
― Prints and Drawings
― Textile and Fashion
One of the greatest museums in the world, the MFA underwent a massive if not transformative renovation in the aughts. A new wing dedicated to arts from the Americas; expanded gallery spaces; an enclosed courtyard featuring a soaring glass creation from artist Dale Chihuly; and Japanese garden are just some of the additions.
Like other museums of similar scale and size, the Museum of Fine Arts' extensive collections make a trip there in a single day exhausting. We recommend visiting over a couple―or even a few―days, selecting a manageable number of exhibitions and galleries to see :
― Art of Africa and Oceania
― Art of the Americas
― Art of Ancient Egypt
― Art of Ancient Greece and Rome
― Art of Asia
― Art of Europe
― Arts of Islamic Cultures
― Benin Kingdom Gallery
― Chinese Song Dynasty
― Contemporary Art
― Hamilton Palace Dining Room
― Jewelry
― Masterpieces of Egyptian Sculpture from the Pyramid Age
― Mummies
― Musical Instruments
― New Galleries of Dutch and Flemish Art
― Photography
― Prints and Drawings
― Textile and Fashion
Written February 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kay-cee-1138
Houston, TX422 contributions
Sep 2022
Although we got a detailed map of the Museum's floors with our tickets, the rambling layout, and often unclear room numbering, was detrimental to really enjoying our visit. Certainly, to see the entire museum properly one needs a full day, or maybe two or three. The exhibition rooms we did see contained some amazing treasures (such as the Alyce Morrissey Gallery), but it was just surprisingly difficult to move around within the BFAM in an efficient manner. We finally gave up and left, never having found all the galleries we really wanted to see. We walked over to the nearby Gardner Museum, which was much more accomodating.
Some of the architectural elements of the BFAM building were interesting to see, as was the huge Chihuly glass sculpture in the Shapiro Courtyard.
As for parking, the garage on the west side, across Museum Road, was very convenient and easy to get in to and out of.
Some of the architectural elements of the BFAM building were interesting to see, as was the huge Chihuly glass sculpture in the Shapiro Courtyard.
As for parking, the garage on the west side, across Museum Road, was very convenient and easy to get in to and out of.
Written October 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Phillip L
16 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
The museum itself is excellent, but I have never wished for noise-cancelling headphones so much in this kind of setting. The other visitors were so loud, rude, and obnoxious I had to leave without even seeing half of it. And staff just sat there watching these adults behave like children. That sums up my trip to Boston overall though ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Written November 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John_Jay808
San Diego3 contributions
Is this area safe to walk around at night? Going to the Wednesday night activities, but I read these area is bad at night...
The_Coach55
Ruislip, UK853 contributions
I visited during the day and it seemed fine. If you use the ‘T’ it is less than that five minutes away from Museum of Fine Arts station on foot.
If I am a member may I bypass the line?
Thanks for your input.
William Cronin
Springfield, VT67 contributions
There is a members entrance around the left hand side of the building.
adsceptic
United Kingdom54 contributions
Do we need to pre book to get into the Ansel Adams? We'd rather be flexible and just turn up, but don't want to miss out. Are there generally enough tickets? Here in London if you don't prebook you'd never get in.
William Cronin
Springfield, VT67 contributions
Mid week you should be OK...but I’d book for a weekend day.
Parking available?
Denise B
Leominster, MA28 contributions
Yes but pricey $25. Better to take public transportation or I recommend getting the Parkwhiz app and finding something reasonable within walking distance. Great app have parked throughout Boston for as little as $5 and as much as $11 from 4-8 hrs!
pkjlewis
Hollis, NH
What is the least busy week day to visit? Thank you.
Trainman334
Marlborough, MA529 contributions
We were there on a Thursday early afternoon and it was busy but manageable. I think it depends, to some degree, on what exhibits on currently showing. Also, the day we were there, the museum was closing early to stage for some kind of event (lots of cable, lights, sound boards and such); so school trips may have been blacked out that day. But if you can get there when the school children have had to depart to board their buses, the atmosphere might be a little more conducive to art appreciation.
Gayla A
St. Petersburg, FL2 contributions
Can anyone tell me the style/maker of the green fabric and metal chairs in the lobby behind the gift shop? They were very comfortable and interesting looking. I’d like to know where to get them.
Thanks!
JBtravel66
Key Largo, FL526 contributions
hi, if you check the MFA website for contact information you might be able to ask them directly
MosleyL
57 contributions
Is there a lot to see in the Ancient Egypt gallery? Please tell me some things that you impressed you.
LauraMontgomeryUSA
Boston, MA39 contributions
Hi --The Boston MFA Egyptian collection is excellent with artifacts and examples from pre-dynastic through the Egyptian Greco-Roman era. Of particular note are the unusually realistic "Reserve Heads" and the "Red Sculpture" or Bust of Prince Ankhha, from the Old Kindgom 4th Dynasty, as well as several schist sculptures of King Menakura, aka Mycerinus, and his Queen, as well as, his large-scale representation in alabaster. Reproductions of tomb furniture, a reconstructed faiance bead dress, hieroglyphic carved sandstone tomb walls & columns and a black granite seated Sekhmet statue--scarabs, shwabties, gold jewelry, numerous red granite and painted wood sarcophagi are a few treasures on view. 2nd fl. galleries contain monumental temple sculptural elements and artifacts from the Tel Armana city center and capitol of the new monotheistic religion of Ra implemented by Akhanaten, Tutakhamun (King Tut's) Dad. Many Mummies to see, early pottery, Old and Middle Kingdom treasures abound...one of the best collections outside of Cairo & Europe.
Make a visit and tip your hat to early Egyptologist
Dows Dunham.....
Museum of Fine Arts (Boston) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Museum of Fine Arts
- Museum of Fine Arts is open:
- Wed - Wed 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thu - Fri 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Sat - Mon 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Museum of Fine Arts tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 7 Museum of Fine Arts tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Museum of Fine Arts:
- Go City: Boston All-Inclusive Pass with 40+ Attractions and Tours (From $74.00)
- Go City: Boston Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 Attractions (From $54.00)
- Boston City View Bicycle Tour by Urban AdvenTours (From $68.00)
- Boston Private City Tour (From $578.58)
- Boston's Emerald Necklace Guided Bicycle Tour (From $89.00)
- Hotels near Museum of Fine Arts:
- (0.42 mi) The Verb Hotel
- (0.69 mi) The Eliot Hotel
- (0.56 mi) Residence Inn Boston Back Bay/Fenway
- (0.65 mi) The Inn At Longwood Medical
- (0.56 mi) Oasis Guest House
- Restaurants near Museum of Fine Arts:
- (0.01 mi) New American Cafe
- (0.03 mi) Garden Cafeteria at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
- (0.04 mi) 465 Bar and Restaurant
- (0.08 mi) University House of Pizza
- (0.16 mi) QDOBA Mexican Eats
- Attractions near Museum of Fine Arts:
- (0.26 mi) Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- (0.51 mi) Fenway Park
- (0.17 mi) Emerald Necklace Conservancy
- (0.19 mi) Emerald Necklace
- (0.51 mi) Walking Boston - Tours